Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the process of mutual recognition of penalty points across the EU; the plans he has to reform the National Vehicle Driver File to record all motoring offences committed on roads here whether by drivers with Irish or foreign licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23274/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no process for the mutual recognition of penalty points across the EU at present. While we are currently working with the United Kingdom with the objective of having a bilateral agreement on mutual recognition of driving disqualifications in place later this year, the mutual recognition of penalty points between our jurisdictions is a much more difficult matter.

Such recognition involves complex legal questions, which have yet to be determined and which will require the passage of primary legislation both here and in the United Kingdom in due course. While both jurisdictions are working on this, it will be a number of years before a bilateral agreement can be put in place.

The National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) constitutes the records for the holders of Irish driving licences and Irish registered vehicles. In addition to records of offences committed by Irish drivers the NVDF also contains details of penalty points instances by the holders of foreign licences.

Arrangements for the recording of all motoring offences committed by foreign licence holders must await completion of bilateral arrangements on the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications and thereby facilitate the 'homing' of data in the jurisdiction of the licence holder. The NVDF system will be adjusted to facilitate such arrangements at the appropriate time.